Jetsettersblog

Animal surf girl Easkey Britton is joining a 10-day surf trip around Sumatra and the surrounding atolls in search of surf, adventure and sunshine.

Great travel piece for the more adventurous reader - with strong imagery/video footage.

Surfing in Sumatra: Easkey Britton swaps Ireland for Indonesia

Exploring the Indonesian Atolls is not your average trip away in the sunshine, but Animal surf girl Easkey Britton, current Irish Champion, swaps her native Ireland for Indonesia each year to explore the islands around Sumatra aboard the 84ft Mangalui sloop yacht on the hunt for perfect waves.

The 10-day trip takes you round some of the least explored areas of the world searching out and surfing new waves, snorkelling on untouched coral reefs and spending the evening on deck sampling what the ocean has offered up to the boat’s chef that day.

The trip is for the adventure-hungry and offers a chance to push yourself, experience a whole new world and return to the UK with some amazing experiences under your belt.

This time Easkey is ready to rock the boat in the company of seven other surf girls in the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean. The actual route of the trip is loose, however they will go where the waves take them – planned destinations include Sumatra, Nias Island, the Mentawi Islands and a look-in at Banda Aceh (one of the worst places hit in the 2004 tsunami ), which has some of the best waves in the world.

Easkey, born into Ireland’s oldest surfing family, has made a name for herself by reaching a number of milestones in her 23 years. Named after an Irish surf reef, Easkey became the first woman to surf big-wave surf spot ‘Aileen’s’ off the coast of West Ireland last year, and lists Kelly Slater as one of her surf companions.

She’s also recently starred in her own section (surfing Aileen’s) in a surf film, Waveriders, alongside Mr Slater himself, that is currently showing in UK cinemas.

The Mangalui is fully equipped with everything you need – from the local Indo beer ‘Bintang’ to internet access and satellite phone.

For a 10 day trip the cost is approx £1,600 depending on your trip, which includes all food, drink and transfers.

Sebastien Robuchon, nephew of Joël Robuchon, the man described as “The Chef of the Century” now heads the kitchen at the Pantai Lima Estate, Pererenan, Bali.

Robuchon specialises in Provençal cooking and “cuisine actuelle”, as well as contemporary Asian fusion.

Before joining Pantai Lima he worked in Montreal, the capital of francophone Canada.

He spent his apprenticeship working at his uncle’s side and has continued a close relationship with the dishes that have made the Robuchon name famous among the cognoscenti.

At his first banquet at Pantai Lima, Robuchon created, inter alia, “purée de pommes de terre”, the mashed potatoes that are his uncle’s signature dish, much to the delight of his Hong Kong guests, who pronounced them every bit as delicious as those on the menu at L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon at The Landmark in Hong Kong.

Sebastien Robuchon’s arrival at Pantai Lima brings additional lustre to a property that has rapidly gained the reputation for being the best of the best in Bali.

Pantai Lima is an exclusive estate of super luxury villas built right on the Bali beachfront at Pererenan, an unspoiled fishing community, a short drive north of Seminyak, Bali’s centre of sophisticated shopping, restaurants and nightlife.

Each of Pantai Lima’s five luxury beachfront villas – Waringin, Melissa, Sound of the Sea, Ambra, and Mary – is individually architecturally-designed and completely different one-from-another.

They are all truly spacious, beautifully appointed and completely private. Gardens and pools are satisfyingly vast.

For more information about the Pantai Lima estate, please visit our website at www.pantailima.com

Each of our villas has its own dedicated website too. You can find them at
www.villawaringinbali.com
www.villamelissabali.com
www.villasoundoftheseabali.com
www.villaambrabali.com
www.villamarybali.com

Kuta, Bali — International Surf Film Festival Ombak Bali is preparing it’s second edition this year screening 15 of the best new surf films from around the world.

Ombak Bali is a platform where national and international surf film makers can expose their films to an interested public. Ombak Bali also aims to help awareness concerning environmental and social issues by screening inspiring and beautiful surf documentaries which handle these subjects. Surf cinema has taken a leap over the last couple of years with filmmakers exploring the surfworld and using this medium to send a message

As the only independent surf film festival in South-East Asia, Ombak Bali will have all exclusive South-East Asian and world premieres. The 4 day film festival will take place in the Discovery Kartika Plaza Hotel in South Kuta between August 19 and 22.

Film directors will be there to present their film to the audience. Surf art and live music will also form part of the exciting 4 day programme.

This year’s film programme will include the latest surf flicks:

-‘The Drifter’: the much anticipated new surf film on Rob Machado by award-winning Bali based surf director/producer Taylor Steele/ 2009.

-‘Fly in the Champagne’ Iron Brothers/ 2009: remarkable story documenting the build up to one of the greatest rivalries in sports history: Kelly Slater versus Andy Irons.

-‘Dear & Yonder’ Andria Lessler & Tiffany Campbell/ 2009:

An ocean odyssey of the female kind, featuring Lisa Andersen, Kassia Meador, Sofia Mulanovich & more.

-‘Whitewash’ Ted Woods/ 2008: Doccie exploring the complexity of race in America through the struggle and triumph of the history of black surfers. The story is narrated by Grammy Award winner Ben Harper.

-‘Mengejar Ombak’ Dave Arnold & Tyrone Lebon/ 2008: personal insight into the life of a young and talented surfer from a small fishing community in Java- Dede Suryana. The film follows Dede as he embarks on his first serious season on the World Qualifying Series (WQS), where he has been touted to become the first Asian to qualify for the World Championship Tour.

-‘Mata Ombak’ Renny Bee Febriani/ 2009: short Indonesian doc which follows 3 Balinese surfers who have made a successful career through surfing.

-‘Olas’ Camila Jimenez Villa/ 2008: Colombian short feature on 10 year old Chispy who goes on a surfari.

The complete film list and the programme schedule will be available July 1, 2009.

Practical information: date: 19 – 22 August 2009;

venue: Discovery Room at the Discovery Kartika Plaza Hotel, jl. Kartika Plaza, South Kuta

www.ombakbali.com

Cunard Line has announced its 2011 World Voyages. In January 2011, the Queen Elizabeth and the Queen Mary 2 will embark on global odysseys that together will visit 57 ports of call across 34 countries. Highlights include overnights in Sydney, Hong Kong and Dubai on the Queen Elizabeth and in Cape Town, Sydney and Hong Kong on the Queen Mary 2.

For its maiden World Voyage, the Queen Elizabeth will offer a complete circumnavigation of the globe from its home port of Southampton, England, crossing the Atlantic en route to New York.

In the U.S., guests can embark on the voyage in New York, Fort Lauderdale or Los Angeles. From the west coast, the Queen Elizabeth will continue to Sydney via the South Pacific and New Zealand before heading to Asia, visiting Singapore, Bali, Vietnam and Thailand and Hong Kong.

The ship then sails to Malaysia and India before calling on Dubai, followed by a visit to Oman before transiting the Suez Canal and taking in some of the sites of Egypt, Greece, Italy and Portugal en-route back to Southampton. Here, North American guests can rendezvous with the Queen Mary 2 and take a trans-Atlantic crossing to complete the 103-day circumnavigation of the globe.

Full World Voyage fares start from $19,995 per person, double. Segment voyages aboard the Queen Elizabeth range from 12 to 25 days and include New York to Los Angeles (16 days), Los Angeles to Sydney (23 days), Sydney to Singapore (25 days), Singapore to Dubai (12 days) and Dubai to Southampton (19 days). Segment fares start at $2,545.

The Queen Mary 2 will begin its fourth World Voyage in New York and its second passage sailing on an east-west route around the globe. After a call in Fort Lauderdale, the ship will head to the Caribbean and South America, calling on Barbados, Brazil and Uruguay before arriving in Cape Town in South Africa.

From there, it will sail to the island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean before heading to Australia. The ship continues to New Zealand and Guam before visiting China and Japan en route to Hong Kong, followed by visits to Vietnam, Singapore, Thailand and India en route to Dubai. From there, the Queen Mary 2 will call in Egypt before making a transit of the Suez Canal that will take it to European calls in Italy, Monaco, Spain and the United Kingdom, its last call before ending the 103-day cruise in New York.

Full World Voyage fares start from $19,995 per person, double. Segment voyages aboard the Queen Mary 2 range from 15 to 25 days and include New York to Cape Town (23 days), Cape Town to Sydney (17 days), Sydney to Hong Kong (25 days), Hong Kong to Dubai (15 days) and Dubai to New York (23 days). Segment fares start at $3,245.

Cunard is also offering the opportunity to sail on both ships’ World Voyages.

Embarking in New York, guests will be able to complete the first half of their World Voyages on the Queen Elizabeth before transferring ships in Sydney and sailing back to New York on the Queen Mary 2. In addition, three years to the day after Cunard welcomed its trio of Queens in New York, the Cunard Royal Rendezvous is poised to take place again on Jan. 13, 2011, when the Queen Mary 2, the Queen Victoria and the Queen Elizabeth call at New York.

And, in addition to receiving a bonus 10 percent discount off Early Booking Fares (EBF), Full World Voyage and Liner Voyage guests will receive an onboard credit of up to $2,000 per stateroom when they book by Feb. 28, 2010.

In addition, Full World Voyage guests will receive complimentary hotel and dining charges.

New for 2011, guests in inside and outside staterooms will receive an onboard credit of up to $1,000 per stateroom if they book by the same date. Cunard World Club members will receive an extra 5 percent savings off Bonus Early Booking Fares.

Additionally, all Full World Voyage Queens Grill and Princess Grill guests will receive a $400 shipboard credit per person to use toward shore excursions of their choice.

All Liner Voyage Grill guests will receive a $200 shipboard credit to be applied the same. Further, an invitation will be extended to all Full World Voyage guests to join Carol Marlow ashore at one of the ports of call during their time onboard for the traditional World Voyage Dinner.

Do you need to learn how to say ‘not too spicy’ while travelling in Vietnam?

Perhaps you’re a vegetarian and want to avoid ordering a goat curry in Nepal?

Intrepid Travel in conjunction with their friends at World Nomads, today launched free language guides for travellers.

Travellers can visit the Intrepid website from today and download the portable mp3 guides for their travels around the world.

The unique guides are available in 20 languages ranging from Arabic to Indonesian, Portuguese, French, Hindi and more.

Intrepid Travel CEO and Co-founder Darrell Wade said, “Intrepid are passionate about educating our travellers before they arrive in a country. These portable language guides are another way that Intrepid demonstrates its commitment to responsible travel.”

“We are dedicated to offering extraordinary travel experiences from the initial purchase of an Intrepid trip right through to the last day of their trip. We’ve always said to our travellers not to be afraid of using the language - simple pleasantries will help break the ice - so keep practicing!” he said.

“I only wish the technology was available when we began our business 20 years ago!” he continued.

Each of the conversational lessons follows Intrepid traveller Scott as he picks up essential phrases from the locals. The language guides range from 10 to 16 minutes.

The files can be stored on a portable mp3 device and take up less space than a full CD.

The Facts

What: Intrepid launches free language guides for travellers

Range: 20 languages including Arabic, Dutch, French, German, Greek, Hindi, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Lao, Malay, Mandarin, Nepali, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, Thai, Turkish, Vietnamese.

Cost: FREE!
Visit: www.intrepidtravel.com/languageguides

The Hilton Family Asia Pacific offers guests two nights for the price of one

Asia Pacific - Time for a break?

How about one that is twice as long? You deserve it! Hilton has announced its latest offer for guests staying at any of its 46 Hilton Family Hotels in Asia Pacific - the “2 for 1 Holiday Sale”. These exceptional times do call for exceptional offers and Hilton is letting you treat yourself to a vacation that doubles your value.

Hilton’s “2 for 1 Holiday Sale” is available for bookings made until 31st July 2009 and valid for stays any day of the week  until 31st August 2009 . To add even more value to your double vacation, stay on a weekend and the offer encompasses lazy breakfast until 11am, late check out up to 6pm and kids stay and eat for free .

Andrew Flack, Vice President Sales & Marketing, Hilton Hotels Asia Pacific commented “during these times we believe that customers are looking very carefully at different offers when deciding on their next vacation.

They are seeking offers that provide exceptional value but do not comprise on the quality of the vacation experience.

The Hilton Family “2 for 1 Holiday Sale” really gives our guests two times the value for the price.

“Whether you choose to stay for two nights and pay for one or six nights and pay for three – you end up with twice as much vacation. There has never been a better time to stay, whether you’re a regular hotel visitor or someone on a budget and looking a holiday with amazing value.”

Pack your bags and get ready to double up as the offer is only available for a limited time. Bookings must be made by the 31st July
2009 for any date until 31st August 2009.

Be Bowled Over At base2stay During The 2009 Ashes Series

London hotel says g’day to Aussies and Brits alike!

As the 73rd series of The Ashes approaches, base2stay in Kensington welcomes cricket fans from England and Australia to support their respective countries and engage in some friendly competition. The hotel staff will be fully up-to-date on the match scores throughout the series as they welcome guests from international cricket’s most celebrated rivalries to stay and immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the game.

The second test match, held at Lords from 16 to 20 July, is only 15 minutes away from Kensington’s base2stay and can be easily accessed via the District Line from Earls Court. Fans can head back to the hotel for the final test match of the series, held at The Oval from 20 – 24 August.

For guests booking a room at base2stay during The Ashes, quoting ‘Ashes Package’ when making the booking, will ensure they receive the following:

• A lunch-size cooler bag for two in the room – guests can make use of the mini-kitchens complete with fridge and microwave and can pack up lunch for a day out

• An England or Australian national flag (as requested) – provided in each room to take along to matches or the local pub

• Reduced rates on some drinks with a voucher at local pub ‘Prince of Teck’ – in honour of the cricket base2stay has formed a partnership with the local sports themed pub for guests to sit back and enjoy the game

By editing out many of the unnecessary extras available at traditional hotels, base2stay is able to offer excellent standards of accommodation from just £91 per room including VAT. The deluxe rooms can sleep up to four people and as the hotel charges per room, it can be a great-value option for groups.

Reception staff are extremely knowledgeable about the local area and will be able to direct cricket fans to the best local bars and pubs to watch the matches and soak up the atmosphere as England try and reclaim The Ashes from the claws of the Aussies after an embarrassing 5-0 whitewash during the last series!

For a quick bite to eat after a long day out, the hotel has also arranged exclusive offers with numerous nearby restaurants:

• 20% off your meal at popular Italian Restaurant Strada

• 10% off your meal at delicious Lebanese Restaurant Orjowan

• 30% off your meal at the best burger place in town – Gourmet Burger Kitchen

• 15% off your total bill at Bar Asia – one of London’s Best Indian Restaurants

• 20% off your meal at contemporary noodle bar Wagamamas

• 10% off breakfast from 8am to 12pm at Balans

• 15% off your meal at As Greek As It Gets

Located in the heart of Kensington, base2stay affords easy access to some of London’s most famous sites, for those taking a break from the cricket. Attractions include Earls Court & Olympia Exhibition Centre, Hyde Park, the Natural History Museum, Harrods, Kensington Palace and the Albert Hall. The hotel also offers excellent transport links into central London, which include the Piccadilly, District & Circle lines at Gloucester Road & Earl’s Court underground stations.

Single rooms from £91

Double rooms from £105

Deluxe doubles, which sleep up to 4 people, start from £193

All prices inclusive of VAT on a per room basis

‘Ashes Package’ subject to availability and not to be taken in conjunction with any other offer

For further information, please visit the website at www.base2stay.com

Accor operates 52 Mercure hotels throughout the Asia Pacific and 690 Mercure hotels throughout the world. The Mercure hotel brand is experiencing significant expansion during 2009 throughout Asia Pacific.

In addition to the Mercure Sapporo, the Mercure Bangalore, Mercure Samui Fenix and Mercure Samui Buri have all opened in the past weeks. Additionally 14 further Mercure hotels are committed for development throughout the region, including hotels in Chengdu x 2, Zhangiajie (China) Pontianak, Bali, Manado, Solo (Indonesia), Hanoi x 2, Hue (Vietnam), Caroline Springs and Liverpool (Australia).

Special offer

Stay with Mercure Sapporo until October 31, 2009 and for 19,000¥ which includes daily breakfast as well as airport collection for 2 persons.

For reservations or enquiries online: visit the Mercure banner below.

Mercure Hotel Sapporo
2-4, Minami 4-jo, Nishi 2-chome,
Chuo-ku, Sapporo Hokkaido, 064-0804 Japan
tel. (81) 011-513-1100 fax. (81) 011-513-7575
Reservations email: H7023-RE1@accor.com

Pullman hotels and resorts, hotels designed specifically for today’s business and leisure travelers, announced today that the Pullman Bali Legian Nirwana will open in September 2009. Pullman Bali Legian Nirwana will be Accor’s first Pullman in Indonesia.

PULLMAN AND INDONESIA

Commenting on the debut of the Pullman brand in Indonesia, Gerard Guillouet, Vice President Accor Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore said, “Bali is a very well known and loved tourist and event destination in Indonesia. The addition of the hotel is complimentary to the existing network of Accor hotels in Bali, where Accor currently operates 6 hotels under Novotel, Mercure and All Seasons hotel brands.

The opening of Pullman Bali Legian Nirwana enhances the global portfolio of the brand, as the first Pullman in a resort location in South East Asia.”

PULLMAN - ON THE ISLAND OF THE GODS

The five-storey Pullman Bali Legian Nirwana has 351 guest rooms, all with a private balcony or terrace.

The hotel has a combination of hotel rooms and studios, enabling deluxe accommodation for couples or for families in a combined apartment style space.
Pullman Bali Legian Nirwana offers two swimming pools, one of which is ideally located overlooking the beach, providing a perfect spot to catch the sun setting across the ocean.

Additionally the hotel will house an expansive day spa, with a selection of relaxing treatments incorporating traditional Balinese ingredients and therapies.

As a hallmark of the Pullman brand, enabling our guests to stay connected with family or business is essential.

Each guest room is therefore equipped with high-speed internet access, LCD interactive TV entertainment system, plug and play adaptors and satellite television selection .

The hotels Kid’s Club is fully equipped with activities and games that will keep even most active and creative children engrossed, providing time for the parents to enjoy the leisure facilities of the hotel.

The hotel enjoys a prime location, just opposite one of Bali’s most renowned beaches - Legian Beach. Stretching north from Kuta, Legian benefits from its proximity and easy access to shops and bars, whilst being slightly removed from the hustle of central Kuta.

Easily explored on foot, various activities including antique hunting, souvenir shopping, or beach activities such as surfing, sun-tanning or simply relax on the beach adjacent the hotel.
Phillipe Battle, General Manager of Pullman Bali Legian Nirwana said,

“The hotel will be an ideal venue for guests to relax, in an environment specifically designed around flowing spaces, deluxe facilities, ease of access to the latest technology and warm, professional service that regular visitors to Bali have come to expect.”

THE PULLMAN NETWORK TODAY

The Pullman Hotels and Resorts brand was officially launched in Asia Pacific in January 2008, and today operates 12 hotels throughout the region.

Globally the network is 38 hotels today and will increase to 50 hotels in 23 countries by the end of 2009.

In addition to Pullman Bali Legian Nirwana, throughout the region Pullman hotels are committed to open in

Seoul,
Gurgaon (New Delhi),
Dongguan,
Lijiang,
Sanya Bay,
Guilin,
Chengdu,
Guangzhou,
Vung Tao,
Sapa and Lao Cai.

Members of JAL Mileage Bank, the frequent-flyer program for Japan Airlines, now have more opportunity to earn miles with Outrigger Enterprises Group with the addition of two new Outrigger properties to the rewards program and a Double Mileage special available at a select number of Outrigger hotels and resorts.

Outrigger Serenity Terraces Resort in Phuket, Thailand, and O-CE-N Bali by Outrigger in Bali, Indonesia, are the newest Outrigger-affiliated properties to join the JAL Mileage Bank program.

Each is offering members 500 miles per stay.

JAL Mileage Bank members ask for the mileage credit at check-in and show their membership card and the hotel does the rest. (Flyer miles are restricted to one award per room, per stay.)

Outrigger Serenity Terraces Resort in Phuket is a new luxury resort that opened in April.

The 78 suites offer ocean views from rooftop sundecks, garden retreats, and beachfront lofts with private swimming pools.

Guest services include butler service, a total spa and wellness experience at the on-site Navasana Well-Being Centre, Turquoise-A Dining Experience, in-room dining, and personalized limousine tours. “Serenity Toys” allow the adventurous to play on the sea with a speed boat, Hobie Cat catamarans, and kayaks that launch directly from the resort.

O-CE-N Bali by Outrigger occupies a beachfront setting at Legian Beach near the resort destination of Seminyak.

There are five levels of accommodations. Flat-panel televisions, cable service, and high-speed Internet access are standard features in all rooms.

Fifth floor penthouse suites offer split-level accommodations with private Jacuzzi tubs and landscaped garden terraces suitable for entertaining. A Double Mileage promotion is also available at select Outrigger properties in Hawaii, Guam and Fiji, which means JAL Mileage Bank members can earn as many as 1,000 miles per stay depending on the property.

For more information, visit www.outrigger.com